Robert H. Ballard

I am in love with the sky. The ever changing color, drama, subtlety and light that the sky has to offer. In my current work I attempt to create a point of meditation by viewing the quiet and peaceful elements the sky provides. In some cases the drama of the changing sky comes in, however, my most recent paintings concentrate on the opalescent quality of the subtle changes. In all cases the sky is related to an element of earth that keeps it from becoming too ephemeral.

My paintings are built up in layers of color and texture and I start by creating a basic design of the composition. This progresses organically until the painting is realized and shows itself to be finished. Since I have always worked in series, each painting builds from the last one in technique and color which, for me, allows the idea to evolve.

I studied painting at San Francisco State University, where I received a BA degree and The California College of the Arts in Oakland, CA where I received my MFA. I spent over 30 years as a Director and Curator of public and private galleries and have exhibited on both coasts and am included in numerous private and public collections. Since 1997 my wife Joan and I have owned and operated R. H. Ballard Shop & Gallery in Washington, VA.

Robert H. Ballard"Three Trees (Homage to Rembrandt)"24" x 30"Acrylic on panelThese trees are near where I live and I pass them everyday, and everyday I think of Rembrandt's famous etching "The Three Trees". That said, this painting has little resemblance to the etching, but was inspired by the memory of it.